When pouring a fragrant drink from a traditional teapot into a cup, we don’t even think about any other brewing method. Meanwhile, many believe that a French press is better suited for tea drinking, since thanks to a special device, the notes of the tea bouquet are revealed stronger and brighter.
In Europe and the USA, such devices are used to make coffee. In our country, the option with our favorite tea has taken root. Although true coffee lovers claim that the drink prepared using a press with a filter is extremely pleasant and differs from what is obtained in a Turk or a coffee maker. But we are talking about tea now.
What is
A French press for tea and coffee preparation resembles a teapot in appearance. Consists of a glass flask, filter, squeezing piston. In America it is more often used for coffee, and in Russia a French press is used for tea. The French has the same diameter for all glass flasks. It just varies in volume. Accordingly, the higher it is, the more liquid will enter. A glass flask allows you to observe the process - this makes brewing coffee in a French press or drinking tea an interesting procedure.
The flask is placed in a housing. It can be made of plastic or metal. There is also a cover into which the piston is inserted. It gently moves up and down and serves as a wringing device. At its base there is a mesh filter, a steel part, and a spring. All this is fastened together with a bolt.
Before you make your favorite drink in a French jacket, you should pour the tea leaves and pour boiling water over it. After a few minutes, you will need to squeeze out the sediment with a piston. He lowers the tea leaves down, and the aromatic liquid rises up.
The French press for tea has a number of advantages, these are:
- convenience of design;
- ease of use;
- compactness.
Brewing coffee or tea in a French press takes a little time. You can adjust the strength of the drink. The tea and coffee press fully reveals the aroma of any drink. Its taste will be pure, without foreign tastes or odors. For example, coffee prepared in this way is not thick, has no bitterness or sourness.
Varieties
French press for tea and coffee can be made from various materials. The flasks in some models are made of plastic, while more durable ones are made of glass and metal. The latter option may affect the quality of the drink, so it is better to purchase glass ones. This is a neutral material that does not affect taste or smell.
When purchasing glass models, make sure that there are no cracks or chips on the bulb. Their absence or presence indicates the quality of the product.
Filters are available in synthetic and metal types. The former are suitable for finely ground coffee, the latter for large-leaf tea. The price of the product is influenced by the material of the handles, piston, volume of the flask, and design of the jacket.
Flask
Flasks are divided according to material of manufacture and volume. Among the variety that stores currently provide, anyone can choose a teapot with a press. For example, you can find a device with a small flask, designed for tea drinking for two people, or, conversely, with a large one - for a family.
Made of plastic
Models with a plastic flask have a small range. Their disadvantage is that they quickly break down, and the prepared drink may contain foreign flavors. To fully enjoy your tea, you should pay attention to products made from other materials.
From glass
It is advisable that the glass be tempered. This refractory material can withstand high temperatures and has low thermal conductivity. This way, the drink will be hot for a long time. Although the glass flask is quite fragile, if used carefully it will last for a long time. A drink brewed in such a press will have a pleasant taste and aroma. You should not store prepared drinks in it. This can lead to oxidation of metal parts, which will subsequently affect the taste of the freshly brewed drink.
The practicality of the product will be influenced by the quality of materials used, design, and the presence of additional functions. The cheapest ones are made from low-quality glass. Therefore, it is better to give preference to jackets from well-known manufacturers.
Made of metal
Stainless steel flasks can ruin the taste of the drink. For this reason, it is better to use glass ones. Only the piston should be made of metal. Another disadvantage is that the stainless steel flask does not allow you to monitor the metamorphoses that occur with the drink. A plus is its durability.
Filter
Filters are available in synthetic and metal types. They are attached to a piston, which is made of plastic or stainless steel. The second option does not absorb odors, is easy to clean, and has a long service life.
Synthetic mesh
A synthetic filter is capable of retaining small particles. Therefore, it is suitable for lovers of medium-ground coffee or fine-leaf tea. This filter is made from nylon. The disadvantage of synthetic mesh is its fragility.
Metal mesh
Metal mesh has a longer service life than synthetic mesh. Large-leaf tea is brewed better in a French press with such a mesh. Small particles will fall into the cup. A small rash of grains will only be suitable for brewing in a Turk.
Volume
First you need to decide what the press is needed for. If for coffee, then a volume of 0.5 liters is sufficient, and when tea is brewed in it - 0.75 liters. On sale the maximum volume can be found up to 2 liters. For a large family or office, it is better to choose a larger model. For one person, a small one is suitable - 0.5 liters.
Small
Big
By volume
For companies or family tea parties, it is better to choose large-volume flasks. For example, like an inexpensive French press made in China - Home Cafe Standart, designed for 0.8 liters. The Mallony Nero 950067 liter kettle is convenient and practical for a large family.
Coffee is usually brewed in small portions, so a container with a volume of 350-600 ml will be sufficient. Among them:
- Taller TR-2301 - 0.6 l;
- Vitax Stafford - 0.35 l;
- Vetta Flor - 0.35 l.
Cappuccino lovers use these French presses to froth milk, producing a thick, silky froth.
How to use
The coffee and tea press is easy to use. You just need to have a little time, tea leaves, and boiling water. Even a child will understand how to use it in everyday life. You should add the tea leaves, pour in boiling water and lower the piston. After a few minutes you can pour into cups.
It is easy to wash the teapot after use. It will be enough to take out the filter with a lid and pour out the used tea leaves. The flask can be easily washed with water without the use of detergents.
For coffee
A coffee maker or Turk is used to make coffee. But a drink prepared in a press will contain more caffeine. It has a more tart taste and a pleasant aroma. You can use already ground coffee or prepare it yourself from whole beans. The second one will be doubly fragrant. Before the first use, you should pour boiling water over the inside of the jacket.
How to brew coffee in a French press:
- Coffee is poured with unboiled water, which has just begun to boil slightly. Usually it is 90°C. To prevent the temperature from dropping, the press should first be doused with boiling water.
- Water should be poured in parts. First, fill it halfway, and after a couple of minutes add it to the required volume.
- To prepare coffee correctly, it should be allowed to brew for 3 minutes with the lid closed.
Grinding is important for a French press. It is desirable that he be rude. In some cases, the average may be used. Only then is it better to use a filter made of synthetic material.
For tea
To make the drink especially aromatic, the flask must first be doused with boiling water. This will prevent the water temperature from decreasing. When it drops by 10-20 degrees, this affects the quality of the leaf brewing. Remember, the larger the leaves, the more you need to take. The tea drink is infused for a couple of minutes.
The tea leaves are poured into a tea press treated with boiling water. If it is large-leaf, then it is one teaspoon per person, if it is small-leaf - half of it. Next, add water depending on the volume and desired strength of the drink.
Differences
French is a device that allows you to easily prepare your favorite drink. It has its pros and cons, it differs from brewing with a coffee pot, teapot, or Turk. The brew with the press does not fall into the cup, but remains in the flask.
Press and teapot
The main difference between a teapot is that it can only be used for making tea. The advantage is that it can be used to prepare both drinks. They turn out rich, aromatic, and brew in a matter of minutes.
Presses for tea and coffee
There is no particular difference between coffee and tea presses. Outwardly they are very similar. They have a handle, a flask, and a piston. The only difference is in the material of manufacture and the filter. Small volume products are suitable for coffee; for tea, you can use 750 ml or more.
Use in everyday life
Among experts, such a kitchen appliance is called a “French press.” It is a flask made of heat-resistant glass. Glass is often replaced with porcelain, clay or ceramics. Stainless steel is used to make the press. The body of such teapots is most often made of plastic. It protects sensitive hand skin from possible redness and burns. On many devices, the handle is equipped with a special rubberized coating, which will prevent the kettle from suddenly slipping in your hand.
The main use of a French press is brewing tea.
With this kitchen appliance it is possible to brew a drink for a certain number of cups. It will have a bright taste and rich aroma. The teapot is especially appreciated among tea lovers with flavoring additives: berries, healthy herbs, fruits.
Many teapots are equipped with a special stand for placing a candle.
She heats the tea, maintaining the required temperature. Among hot drink connoisseurs, such a device becomes almost indispensable.
Reference:
You can use a French press to make coffee. In this case, the drink will be significantly different from the one prepared in Turk, have a more pronounced taste and rich aroma of coffee beans.
Rating of the best varieties
The Rondell French coffee press has good reviews. It is made of high quality materials and has a special thermally insulated handle. The kit includes an additional flask that can be used to replace the damaged main one. The flask has a displacement marking. Rondell Mocco&Latte is perfect for coffee. It has a stylish design and extended equipment:
- The French brand from Bodum Kenya tops the rating. This is Swiss quality. Ecological plastic is used in the production of teapots.
- A TalleR French teapot is suitable for brewing tea. It is distinguished by quality and modern design. The flask is made of high-strength glass. Tea and coffee will not leave streaks on it, since these teapots have a specially shaped spout. TalleR TR-2319 will be the best for tea. It is universal, has increased strength and an improved press mechanism.
- The Gipfel French jacket can be purchased complete with mugs. Their volume is 200 ml, so they are ideal for tea. The country of origin is Germany.
Vitesse French presses are relatively good. They come complete with mugs. They are made from high-quality stainless steel and heat-resistant glass. Dishwasher safe. Designed for preparing ground coffee by settling.
Rondell
Gipfel
Bodum Kenya
TalleR
Vitesse
Which French press for tea is better to buy?
Any teapot from the review above has its own individual advantages and disadvantages. Finding one product that is definitely worth buying is not easy. But after a comparative analysis, reviews, and expert assessments, the following conclusions can be drawn:
- The best budget profitable model of good quality is TAC TK 0344;
- The choice of professionals, the best quality and functionality - Walmer George;
- The most practical model, easy to maintain and operate – Rondell Wonder RDS-426;
- Best design, high degree of filtration - BergHOFF Neo 3501695;
- Environmental friendliness, price-quality ratio – Bohmann BH-9760.
There is no need to rush to the first model you like. Today's rating will teach every potential buyer to understand manufacturing companies and make an informed decision based on the correct criteria. The top list of the best products of 2020 significantly narrows the search range, introduces the pros, cons, and other characteristics of the nominees.
